SC

South Carolina FS Exam Requirements

Everything you need to know about taking the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in South Carolina.

Quick Facts

Licensing Board
South Carolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
License Title
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
Listed Fees
$225 NCEES exam fee + state application fee
Board Phone
(803) 896-4422

South Carolina FS Pathways

Use these as planning paths, then confirm the exact gate with the board before applying.

Student or Recent Graduate Path

The usual first route into surveying licensure.

  1. 1Bachelor's degree in surveying or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  2. 2Confirm whether the board requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
  3. 3Pass the NCEES FS exam.
  4. 4Apply for South Carolina intern or trainee recognition if the board offers it.

Experience or Mixed-Qualification Path

For candidates who do not fit the standard degree-first route.

  1. 1Eligibility to sit for the FS exam varies — some states require board approval before registering with NCEES. Check with your state board.
  2. 2Document education, field work, office work, responsible charge exposure, and supervisor references.
  3. 3Ask the board how it evaluates substitutions before paying exam or application fees.

After Passing FS

The FS exam is usually a milestone, not the license itself.

  1. 1Save your NCEES result and any state intern certificate.
  2. 2Start logging qualifying experience for PS eligibility.
  3. 3Review South Carolina's PS path before changing employers or supervisors.
Verified NCEES registration note
Direct NCEES registrationchecked 2026-05-05

The South Carolina board does not require FS examinees to submit an application or an additional fee prior to registering with NCEES and scheduling an exam. Examinees may register for their exams by creating a MyNCEES account.

NCEES FS registration page
Planning checklist

Fees, application order, intern titles, and state-law exams change. Verify the board page, then use Survey Bible for exam prep and tracking.

Education Planning Notes

Bachelor's degree in surveying or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Verify the exact current education rule with the board before applying.

Experience Planning Notes

Eligibility to sit for the FS exam varies — some states require board approval before registering with NCEES. Check with your state board.

Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and intern titles vary by board.

South Carolina State-Law Checkpoint: South Carolina State-Specific Exam

South Carolina requires a state-specific exam covering South Carolina surveying laws (SC Code Title 40, Chapter 22) and minimum technical standards.

Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.

How to Apply

  1. 1Check the South Carolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website for current eligibility requirements and application forms.
  2. 2Create a MyNCEES account at ncees.org.
  3. 3Submit a state board application first if your state requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
  4. 4Once approved, register and pay through your MyNCEES account ($225 exam fee).
  5. 5Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center.

Reciprocity / Comity

Accepts comity with NCEES record

Continuing Education

30 PDH per biennial renewal

Neighboring States

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the South Carolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors before applying. Last reviewed April 2026.

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